Chapter 509 Rich Woman

“Uh, when you say ‘half-life,’ are you referring to resources or the situation?” Su Ming furrowed his brow, asking curiously.

“Haha, if it were resources, would the Federation have such a huge deficit?” Dragon Dust stopped his knife and fork, replying with a smile.

“Alright.” Su Ming’s mouth twitched slightly as he replied, then silently continued eating.

In the afternoon, Dragon Dust took Su Ming into a hovercar and said to Dragon Ying, “You wait at home.”

“Understood, Grandfather!” Dragon Ying replied respectfully.

Dragon Dust then said to Long Xi, who was driving, “Let’s go!”

“Yes!” Long Xi immediately started the vehicle and drove away.

Su Ming sat in the car, somewhat lost in thought as he watched the scenery flash by outside the window.

Dragon Dust glanced at Su Ming, and seeing his calm demeanor, secretly praised him. To be so composed at such a young age, it was no wonder Dragon White had entrusted him with such an important task.

Soon after, the black hovercar traveled through the virtual track and arrived at the second level of Saint Jocks, which was the gyroscope-shaped structure on the disc.

The Seven Great Families of Saint Jocks resided here, symbolizing honor and power, while other member families lived on the platforms below.

Following that, the black hovercar drove towards a dreamlike, garden-style castle.

When the hovercar reached the gate, a burly man wearing Fourth Generation Mecha heavy-duty exoskeleton armor, with a powerful physique and sharp eyes, extended his hand to stop the vehicle.

At this moment, Long Xi opened the car door and stepped out, politely saying, “Hello, my master has come specifically to visit Lord Mokdo.”

“Lord Mokdo is not someone who can be visited by just anyone,” the burly man said coldly, staring at Long Xi.

“This is my master’s visiting card!” Long Xi handed over a hot-stamped visiting card.

The burly man took the card, glanced at the name on it, and then said in a deep voice, “Please wait a moment!”

“Understood!” Long Xi replied politely.

Su Ming, inside the car, watched this scene with interest and said, “I didn’t expect that ancient visiting cards are still preserved.”

“The higher up you go, the more particular people are, so these customs are still kept,” Dragon Dust said with a smile.

“Mm!” Su Ming nodded.

About ten minutes later, the tightly closed gate opened, and a butler with white hair, wearing a black tuxedo and a bow tie, hurried out and approached the hovercar.

At this moment, the car window lowered, and Dragon Dust turned his head to look at the butler, speaking lightly, “Kafindo.”

“My apologies, Lord Long Chen, for making you wait. Are you here to see Lord Mokdo?”

“Mm.”

“It’s truly unfortunate, Lord Mokdo is not home.” Butler Kafindo said apologetically.

“Not here? Where did he go?” Dragon Dust asked with a deep frown.

“I don’t know that. Lord Mokdo’s whereabouts are top secret,” Kafindo replied with great apology.

“Then when will he return?” Dragon Dust’s expression shifted, then he asked.

“I truly don’t know. Perhaps you could come another day, or I will inform Lord Mokdo immediately when he returns.” Kafindo shook his head and replied.

“Alright! Let’s go.” Dragon Dust was silent for a few seconds, then spoke.

“Lord Long Chen, please take care.” Kafindo bowed respectfully.

Long Xi immediately turned the car around and drove away, while Kafindo watched the departing black hovercar and let out a sigh of relief.

Inside the black hovercar, Su Ming turned to Dragon Dust and asked, “Lord Long Chen, is Lord Mokdo really not home?”

“Mokdo is more cautious than anyone. There are too many people in this world who want his life. He almost never leaves his home, and I haven’t heard of him visiting anywhere before,” Dragon Dust said in a deep voice.

“You mean, he’s deliberately avoiding us?”

“Most likely, but it’s not impossible that he’s genuinely not home.”

“Then what should we do?” Su Ming asked with a tightly furrowed brow.

“Let’s go back first and then plan from there!” Dragon Dust replied in a deep voice.

“Alright.” Su Ming nodded.

At this moment, in the dreamlike garden, Mokdo sat in an elegant pavilion, calmly brewing clear tea and taking a gentle sip.

Just then, Kafindo walked over and respectfully said, “Master, they have left.”

“Well done,” Mokdo replied calmly.

Kafindo hesitated for a moment, then asked, “Master, why did you not see Lord Long Chen and instead told him you weren’t here? Lord Long Chen won’t be fooled by that excuse.”

“I know, but I don’t want to see him right now.”

“Why?”

“The envoys from Apocalypse Divine Kingdom and Dark Star Empire just forced us to freeze and hand over all of the Federation’s assets. Dragon Dust comes to visit right after, so it’s likely for the Federation. At this critical juncture, it can’t be anything good. If I’m not mistaken, they might want to take away the rare metal resources pledged in Saint Jocks.” Mokdo’s eyes flashed with a hint of sharpness as he spoke.

“Master, why would the Federation want to take away the resources pledged here? Isn’t that courting death? Aren’t they afraid the Federation’s foreign trade will collapse?” Kafindo asked, puzzled.

“You’re right, but given the Federation’s current predicament, they might actually do something like that. So I can’t see them, and I certainly can’t let them take it away.”

“Why? Wouldn’t that offend them too?”

“Sigh, there’s no other way. Those two, Dark Star Empire and Apocalypse Divine Kingdom, are typical ingrates. The Federation hasn’t even fallen yet, and they’re already eager to show their fangs, trying to force us to hand over the Federation’s assets. If the Federation really collapses, then wouldn’t they try to devour us next? Moreover, if the Federation takes all the pledged resources here, wouldn’t they just be able to pack up and leave, not caring about anything? At that time, we wouldn’t just offend Apocalypse Divine Kingdom and Dark Star Empire, but we’d also have to face two hungry wolves alone.” Mokdo replied expressionlessly.

“Your wisdom is profound, Master, but can we keep putting them off indefinitely?”

“Let’s just keep stalling for now.”

“Yes!” Kafindo replied respectfully.

At this moment, a gentle breeze blew, and Mokdo slowly raised his head, his cloudy eyes subtly moving as he spoke, “A storm is coming.”

—

The black hovercar returned to Dragon Dust’s manor and parked at the villa entrance.

Dragon Ying stepped forward and opened the car door.

Dragon Dust and Su Ming stepped out of the car.

“Grandfather, why are you back so soon? Is the matter settled?” Dragon Ying asked, very surprised.

“No, Mokdo wasn’t there,” Dragon Dust said in a deep voice.

“Not there? That’s too much of a coincidence, isn’t it?” Dragon Ying immediately felt something was off.

“That old fox probably doesn’t want to see me.”

“Grandfather, what should we do then?”

“There’s no use rushing this matter. General Su Ming, please settle down and rest well. I’ll try to find out more information, and I’ll notify you immediately if I hear anything.” Dragon Dust turned to Su Ming and said.

“Alright!” Su Ming also knew there was no use rushing this matter.

“Dragon Ying, take Mr. Su Ming to the guest room and arrange his accommodation,” Dragon Dust instructed Dragon Ying.

“Yes, General Su Ming, please come this way.” Dragon Ying then led Su Ming towards the villa.

Two days later, in the early morning, Dragon Dust, Dragon Ying, and Su Ming sat at the dining table having breakfast.

“Lord Long Chen, has there been any progress?” Su Ming asked.

“Sigh, I asked a few old friends yesterday, but they weren’t very clear about whether Mokdo was home or not. This matter might not be that easy,” Dragon Dust said with a sigh.

At this moment, Su Ming felt Celes move in his pocket, and immediately understood, saying, “Lord Long Chen, it’s not good to just keep waiting like this. I plan to go out for a stroll later to see if I can gather any useful information.”

“That works too, but you’re not familiar with Saint Jocks. How about Dragon Ying accompanies you? That way, you two can keep each other company!” Dragon Dust said with a smile.

“Alright.” Su Ming originally wanted to take Celes out for a walk, but since Dragon Dust said so, he could only agree.

Dragon Ying then stood up and said, “Mr. Su Ming, then I’ll go change my clothes.”

“Alright, I’ll wait for you outside.” Su Ming also stood up and walked outside.

Soon, Su Ming walked out of the villa and took the shelled Celes out of his pocket.

“Hmph!” Celes huffed angrily.

“Oh, don’t be angry. I originally wanted to take you out to play, but I didn’t expect Dragon Dust to have Dragon Ying come with me. Later, you stay in my pocket and don’t come out.”

“Why didn’t you refuse?!”

“It wasn’t easy to refuse.”

“You’re someone who values women over friends!”

“Don’t talk nonsense. How about this, if you see anything you like later, just secretly tell me, and I’ll buy it for you, okay?” Su Ming appeased her helplessly.

“That’s more like it.” Celes then burrowed into Su Ming’s pocket.

Not long after, Dragon Ying, wearing a sky-blue long dress with her long hair draped over her shoulders and a cyan necklace on her fair neck, walked over elegantly.

“Mr. Su Ming, shall we go?”

“Mm!” After a glance, Su Ming and Dragon Ying left the manor and strolled along the bustling streets.

In fact, the reason Dragon Dust had Dragon Ying and Su Ming go out to gather information wasn’t that he truly relied on them, but rather to create an opportunity for Dragon Ying and Su Ming to spend time together.

“Miss Dragon Ying, where do you think would be best for us to go?” Su Ming asked, looking at the bustling street.

“How about we take the sky rail to Starry Ocean Commercial Street? It’s one of the most famous commercial streets in Saint Jocks, and it’s not far from here. Also, many nobles from Saint Jocks shop there, making it easier to gather information,” Dragon Ying suggested to Su Ming.

“Mm!” Su Ming agreed.

The two walked towards the sky rail station.

All public transportation facilities in Saint Jocks, such as the sky rail, were free, and there weren’t many passengers, so the sky rail trains were often quite empty.

Su Ming and Dragon Ying boarded a sky rail train, and the two sat by the window.

The train slowly started, moving through the air towards the distance.

Su Ming quietly gazed at the beautiful scenery outside.

Dragon Ying, on the other hand, looked at Su Ming’s profile, watching him admire the scenery, her eyes twinkling.

Just then, Su Ming felt an unusual gaze and instinctively turned his head to look.

“Miss Dragon Ying, what are you looking at?” Su Ming asked curiously.

“Nothing, I was just looking at the scenery. The scenery here is really beautiful,” Dragon Ying said with a smile.

“Mm.” Su Ming nodded.

At this moment, the pleasant announcement sounded on the sky rail train.

“Next stop is Starry Ocean Commercial Street. Passengers getting off, please mind the time.”

“We’ve arrived,” Dragon Ying stood up and said to Su Ming.

Su Ming also stood up and followed Dragon Ying towards the train exit.

A few minutes later, Su Ming exited the sky rail station and arrived at Starry Ocean Commercial Street.

The buildings throughout the commercial street were all constructed from extremely expensive white crystal rock, and their exteriors were designed by master artists, with each building having unique features and various rare plants planted around them.

At the same time, the entire commercial street was conveniently located at the edge of the disc, with waterfalls flowing down from the second level, forming an arc that fell over the commercial street, creating a very beautiful scene.

Every shop opened here was very high-end, and even in the display windows, one could see brand new Fourth Generation Mecha serving as display stands, kneeling on one knee, holding a projection of a brilliant gem necklace in their hands.

Su Ming glanced at a nearby high-end jewelry store, where a promotional advertisement poster was displayed at the entrance.

“Centennial Anniversary, 10% off storewide, starting from just 10 million federal currency.”

Su Ming looked at the price and shook his head slightly.

“Mr. Su Ming, what’s wrong?” Dragon Ying asked with a smile.

“The prices here are really incredibly expensive,” Su Ming said with a hint of emotion.

“Haha, if someone else said that, I’d find it normal, but for you, it shouldn’t be much,” Dragon Ying replied with a light chuckle.

Just as Su Ming was about to reply to Dragon Ying, a surprised voice suddenly came, “Husband!”

Su Ming and Dragon Ying both froze and turned their heads to look.

A rich woman, 1.6 meters tall, weighing 260 jin, with long wavy yellow hair, wearing an oversized dress, and numerous dazzling gemstone rings on her fingers, rushed towards Su Ming with immense joy.

Su Ming reached out and pulled Dragon Ying, dodging aside.

Ouch!

The rich woman missed her target and fell heavily to the ground.

The two fashionably dressed young women rushed over in panic, helping the rich woman up and asking,

“Laina, are you alright?”

“I’m fine, don’t worry about me, husband, I finally found you.”

Laina walked towards Su Ming with immense joy, reaching out to embrace him.

Su Ming’s face darkened as he stepped back, warning in a low voice,

“Stop, don’t blame me for being impolite if you come any closer.”

“Husband, don’t be like this, it was so hard for me to find you.”

“Who are you? I don’t know you at all.”

“Su Ming, I’m Laina, your wife!”

Laina said to Su Ming sadly.

At this moment, passersby all around gathered, watching the unfolding farce.

“Madam, please have some self-respect.”

Su Ming suppressed his anger and said in a low voice.

“Su Ming, don’t be too much. You used to call me’sweetheart’, and now you call me ‘Madam’. Are you turning your back on me?”

Laina said, sobbing.

At this point, Laina’s sisters also started to scold him.

“Su Ming, you heartless man, aren’t you going too far? Are you turning your back on her?”

“And Laina has been looking for you everywhere!”

“What nonsense are you talking about? I’ve never even seen her, let alone be her husband.”

Su Ming said with a dark expression.

“Oh, he truly lives up to being a scumbag who scams money. He scammed Laina out of so much money, and now he denies it with just one sentence. Brothers and sisters, please judge for yourselves!”

Laina’s sisters angrily accused him.

At this moment, passersby nearby started speaking up.

“That’s right, this Su Ming is truly a scumbag!”

“Just a while ago, they looked so loving, and now he’s pretending to be dumb and doesn’t even recognize his own wife.”

Su Ming heard the discussions, his brows furrowing, feeling something was off.

If this Laina was trying to trick him, there was no reason for all the passersby around the shopping street to speak up for her, and what they said was very convincing.

The people who frequented this commercial street were basically rich or noble; they weren’t ordinary people who could be hired as shills.

Therefore, Su Ming spoke seriously.

“Madam Laina, you’ve mistaken me for someone else.”

“Absolutely impossible, I even have our wedding photos here!”

Laina said, tapping her wristband, projecting a holographic image. The image showed Su Ming in a suit, arm-in-arm with Laina in a white wedding dress.

Su Ming was stunned when he saw the image; he had indeed seen this image before. Wasn’t this the prank post about him on the Star Cluster Forum? He didn’t expect it to be real.

He quickly observed himself in the image. This person was very similar to him. If there was any difference, it was that their temperaments were completely different. It was obvious that someone was impersonating him to deceive people.

At this moment, Dragon Ying noticed Su Ming’s unnatural expression and looked at him, asking in confusion,

“Mr. Su Ming, what’s wrong?”

“Nothing, I’ve seen this image on the forum, but I really don’t know her.”

Su Ming said, somewhat annoyed.

Actually, Su Ming wasn’t very angry about being impersonated; the problem was that this guy had terrible taste, finding someone so ugly. At this moment, Laina said sadly,

“Husband, have you been charmed by that ugly woman next to you? When you were in trouble and injured, I personally took care of you and saved your life. You personally said then that you liked women with some flesh, and you even praised me for being cute.”

The surrounding passersby, seeing this scene, also said awkwardly,

“Miss Laina, although we sympathize with you and stand on your side, what you said is not right. The lady next to him is indeed beautiful.”

“Exactly.”

Dragon Ying found this scene quite amusing. Of course, she wouldn’t be so foolish as to think that Su Ming really had any connection with the woman in front of him.

“Nonsense, I’m the prettiest!”

Laina retorted angrily at the comments from the people around her.

At this moment, Summer Lane and Violet Lolo walked over from a distance, carrying shopping bags.

“Seventh Sister, why are so many people gathered there?”

Summer Lane asked curiously.

“I’m not sure, let’s go take a look.”

Violet Lolo also replied with great interest.

The two then walked over, and as they got closer, Summer Lane immediately exclaimed in surprise,

“Isn’t that Su Ming? What’s wrong with him?”

“I’m not sure, it seems he’s run into some trouble.”

Violet Lolo replied with a smile.

“Wait, that woman next to Su Ming looks so familiar.”

Summer Lane suddenly noticed Dragon Ying and said, greatly surprised.

“Dragon Ying, the beloved daughter of Lord Long Chen of Longwen Group. She is very formidable.”

“Seventh Sister, what you said before was indeed true. Mr. Su Ming will certainly not lack outstanding women by his side.”

“Sixth Sister, let’s not talk about this for now, let’s go and see!”

Violet Lolo said to Summer Lane.

“Okay!”

Summer Lane nodded.

At this moment, just as Su Ming was about to confront Laina further, a familiar voice came.

“Mr. Su Ming!”

Su Ming was slightly startled, turned his head, and saw Summer Lane and Violet Lolo emerge from the crowd.

“Miss Summer Lane, Miss Violet Lolo.”

Su Ming greeted them politely.

“Mr. Su Ming, what’s wrong? Did something happen?”

Violet Lolo curtsied gracefully and asked with a smile.

“This lady is inexplicably claiming I’m her husband and that I scammed her out of a lot of money.”

Su Ming replied with a touch of helplessness.

“Ah?”

Violet Lolo and Summer Lane were both stunned when they heard this.

Then they looked at Laina and said with considerable surprise,

“Isn’t this Miss Laina of the Kartinlo Family?”

“Kartinlo Family?”

When Su Ming heard the name of this family, his eyelids twitched slightly. This was no small family. If he remembered correctly, this seemed to be the seventh family of Saint Jocks, mainly engaged in long-distance interstellar transportation.

“Summer Lane, you two judge for me, Su Ming doesn’t want me anymore, even though he promised to be with me forever.”

Laina cried to the two.

Summer Lane heard Laina’s words, looked at Su Ming, and asked with a smile,

“Su Ming, so you like plump women!”

“No, don’t talk nonsense.”

Su Ming replied irritably. His aesthetic taste was not problematic; although he thought it was good for women to be slightly fuller, he certainly wouldn’t like a fat pig.

Seeing Su Ming somewhat annoyed, Summer Lane turned to Laina and said,

“Laina, I’m not trying to discourage you, but you’ve probably been deceived. No matter how bad Su Ming’s taste is, he wouldn’t fancy you, and it’s even less likely he’d scam you for money.”

“Summer Lane, you’re going too far! Are you trying to steal my husband?”

Laina instantly exploded in anger, accusing him furiously.

“Oh, if my only rival were you, that would be too easy!”

Summer Lane replied with a sigh.

“You!”

Laina’s face instantly turned red with anger.

At this moment, Violet Lolo also spoke up.

“Laina, don’t make a scene here. You should hurry and find that swindler.”

“Fine, you’re all bullying me. This isn’t over. I won’t let you have my husband.”

Laina said angrily.

“Laina, let’s go.”

At this point, Laina’s sisters, seeing Summer Lane and Violet Lolo standing up for Su Ming, could only pull her away.

Although they were all children of prominent families, there were still different levels.

The Shenji Family itself was second only to the Morries Family, and Violet Lolo was the beloved daughter of the Shenji Patriarch. Offending them would be the end of it.

Su Ming breathed a slight sigh of relief as the farce ended.

Summer Lane shouted to the onlookers,

“Everyone, disperse!”

Numerous passersby left, discussing amongst themselves.

At this moment, Violet Lolo said with a smile,

“Mr. Su Ming, it’s been two years since we last met at the Abyss of Fallen.”

“That’s right, I even thought you were avoiding us!”

Summer Lane also said with a chuckle.

“Miss Summer Lane is joking, how could I be avoiding you?”

Su Ming’s expression stiffened halfway through his sentence as he suddenly remembered something: he owed Violet Lolo a Level 6 Black Energy Crystal worth three hundred billion federal currency.

Now that his Dawn Spear was gone, if the Federation arranged a VI generation mecha for him, he wouldn’t be able to get reimbursement. And with Dragon White in charge of the Federation and finances so tight, he couldn’t possibly ask her for it, could he?

Furthermore, although City Lord Alicia had allocated 500 billion federal currency in supplies to him, this huge sum had been squandered by Rhein, all converted into weapons, which meant he didn’t have much money on him now.

If Violet Lolo asked him to repay the money at this moment, it would truly be awkward.

“Mr. Su Ming, what’s wrong?”

Violet Lolo keenly noticed the change in Su Ming’s expression.

“Nothing, let me introduce you. This is Dragon Ying, the Legion Commander of the Fourteenth Legion of the Federation, and these two are Miss Summer Lane and Miss Violet Lolo of the Shenji Family.”

Su Ming quickly said with a smile.

“We know each other.”

Dragon Ying said with a smile.

“That’s right, although we’re not very close.”

Summer Lane nodded in agreement.

“You know each other? That’s great.”

Su Ming replied with a smile.

At this moment, Violet Lolo smiled and suggested,

“Mr. Su Ming, it’s rare to meet here today. How about we find a restaurant and have a good get-together?”

“Good idea!”

Su Ming agreed without hesitation.

He was already worried about not being able to inquire about Patriarch Mokdo, and now he could just ask.

“Let’s go to the Sea Breeze Restaurant; the environment and food there are very good.”

Summer Lane then suggested.

“Alright!”

Su Ming nodded slightly in agreement.

“Then let’s go!”

Violet Lolo then led Su Ming and the others forward.

Soon, they arrived at a distinctively decorated restaurant. The entire restaurant was shaped like a seashell, with white sun umbrellas set up in the street-facing area, where numerous casual tables were placed. Many guests sat there, sipping tea and enjoying the small flowing river and the powerful waterfall in the distance.

Violet Lolo led Su Ming and the others directly into the restaurant.

The interior of the restaurant was exquisitely decorated, with colorful seashells embedded in the ceiling and blue square tiles on the floor, playing soothing music.

At this moment, a plump proprietress with a red cheongsam, peach blossom eyes, and a radiant smile walked over.

“Distinguished guests, welcome!”

“Boss A Lin, please find us a quiet spot.”

Summer Lane said to A Lin.

“No problem, this way, Miss Summer Lane!”

A Lin enthusiastically led Summer Lane and the others towards a window seat.

After Su Ming and the others were seated, A Lin asked with a smile,

“Miss Summer Lane, what would you like to eat?”

“The usual.”

Summer Lane replied simply.

“Understood!”

Boss A Lin smiled and retreated.

Soon, the waiter brought a pot of clear tea and some exquisite pastries.

Violet Lolo picked up the teapot, poured a cup for each of them, and said with a smile,

“This restaurant is run by your Federation. Their snow tea is very authentic.”

Upon hearing this, Su Ming picked up his teacup, took a sip, and then said,

“It is indeed quite authentic!”

Although it was a bit inferior to Lord Long Chen’s tea, it was still a rare delicacy.

“Su Ming, how did Laina get entangled with you? That woman is famous for being a love addict.”

At this moment, Summer Lane asked curiously.

“I’m not sure either, probably someone impersonated me. I’ll have to find a way to investigate later.”

Su Ming said, rubbing his temples.

“That’s simple. How about I help you investigate?”

Summer Lane said very readily.

“Okay, then I’ll trouble Miss Summer Lane.”

Su Ming hesitated for a moment, but ultimately accepted Summer Lane’s kind offer.

After all, this was Summer Lane’s territory, and their investigation would certainly be more efficient than his own.

“It’s nothing!”

Summer Lane waved her hand and said.

“Mr. Su Ming, why did you suddenly come to Saint Jocks? Is it for official business or a private trip?”

Violet Lolo asked with a smile.

“How could I have time to play around? I’m here on official business.”

Su Ming didn’t hide anything.

“Then how long do you plan to stay here?”

Summer Lane looked at Su Ming expectantly and asked.

“Not sure, probably for a quite a long time.”

Su Ming shook his head and replied.

Dragon Ying, who was nearby, felt an inexplicable pressure seeing Violet Lolo and Summer Lane so familiar with Su Ming.

She hadn’t expected Su Ming to be more popular than she imagined.

However, Dragon Ying didn’t say anything, quietly listening to their casual chat.

At this moment, Su Ming hesitated for a moment and asked.

“Violet Lolo, Summer Lane, may I ask you something?”

“Mr. Su Ming, you’re being too polite. Please, speak your mind.”

Violet Lolo replied, her eyes subtly moving.

“I’d like to ask, is Patriarch Mokdo really not in Saint Jocks?”

Su Ming asked in a lowered voice.

Violet Lolo and Summer Lane were both slightly startled, exchanging glances.

“Mr. Su Ming, we are truly sorry, but we don’t know. Patriarch Mokdo rarely shows his face, and very few people get to see him. Therefore, almost no one knows his whereabouts.”

Violet Lolo replied apologetically.

“It’s alright.”

Su Ming waved his hand and replied.

“Mr. Su Ming, do you have something to discuss with him?”

Summer Lane asked curiously.

“Yes, we went to visit the Morries Family, but found out he wasn’t there. We don’t know how long we’ll have to wait.”

Su Ming sighed and replied.

“Mr. Su Ming, you don’t need to worry. Although I don’t know whether Mr. Mokdo is here or not, I have a way for you to meet him.”

Violet Lolo said with a smile.

Summer Lane looked at Violet Lolo in confusion, completely unable to figure out what method her seventh sister could possibly have.

“What method?”

Su Ming’s eyes immediately lit up, and he quickly asked.

Dragon Ying also looked at Violet Lolo with a serious expression.

“One month from now, it will be Mr. Mokdo’s one-thousandth birthday. Although he usually dislikes crowds, for such an important millennium celebration, he will definitely hold a grand banquet. He will certainly appear then, and you’ll be able to meet him.”

Violet Lolo explained to Su Ming.

“Thank you so much.”

Su Ming said with great gratitude upon hearing Violet Lolo’s words.

This truly was a huge help.

“You’re welcome. We’re friends, helping each other is perfectly normal.”

Violet Lolo said to Su Ming with a smile.

“Mm!”

Su Ming nodded and replied.

At this moment, not far to Su Ming’s left, a young man with a checkered shirt, short black hair, a high nose bridge, deep green eyes like a profound abyss, and an ordinary appearance, sat alone at a dining table.

He took out a simply packaged pack of lotus-brand cigarettes, pulled out a low-quality cigarette, put it in his mouth, lit it, took a deep puff, and then exhaled rings of smoke.

Just then, a clear-faced female waitress in a uniform walked up to the man, bowed respectfully, and said,

“Sir, I’m very sorry, but smoking is prohibited in our restaurant. Your smoking will affect other guests.”

The man smiled without speaking, simply taking out a stack of federal currency notes, each worth ten thousand, and placing them on the table.

“Sir, it’s not about the money. This really will affect other people.”

The waitress said with difficulty.

“How about this, I’ll take the entire restaurant.”

The man took out a black card and placed it on the table, saying with a smile.

“Sir, there are many guests in the restaurant right now, and we can’t just turn them away.”

The waitress said helplessly.

The man wasn’t angry, and he smiled at the waitress, saying,

“That’s simple. Today, I’ll pay for everyone. How about that?”

The waitress was stunned upon hearing this, but fortunately, the proprietress A Lin walked over at that moment and replied with a smile,

“No problem, Sir.”

“That’s good then.”

The man took another deep puff of his cigarette and slowly exhaled it.

At this moment, the proprietress A Lin addressed all the guests.

“Dear esteemed guests, this gentleman, due to his smoking addiction, has kindly offered to treat everyone in the restaurant. We hope you all can be understanding!”

Su Ming and the others turned their heads to look at the man upon hearing proprietress A Lin’s words.

At this moment, the man also looked at Su Ming’s table.

Su Ming immediately raised the teacup in his hand, politely saluting.

The man also showed a bright smile, raised his teacup, and responded.

Su Ming drained the tea in his cup, then turned to Violet Lolo and said with a smile,

“There are so many rich people in Saint Jocks. Renting out the whole place must cost a lot, right?”

“This restaurant is very expensive. Renting it out would cost at least several hundred million.”

Violet Lolo said to Su Ming with a smile.

“How extravagant.”

Upon hearing the exact figure, Su Ming couldn’t help but praise.

If he were to spend over a billion on weapons or something, Su Ming wouldn’t bat an eye, but spending that much money just to smoke a cigarette, he truly couldn’t do it.

At this moment, the restaurant door was pushed open.

Schuler and Avaco walked in, chatting and laughing.

Just then, Avaco suddenly saw Violet Lolo and immediately said,

“Isn’t that Miss Violet Lolo?”

“It really is her.”

“Let’s go, we’ll head over!”

“Alright!”

Schuler and Avaco immediately walked over.

When they reached Su Ming’s table, they immediately feigned surprise and said,

“Isn’t this Miss Violet Lolo? What a coincidence!”

Su Ming glanced at the two, finding them familiar, and then remembered that these two seemed to be the offspring of those two arms dealers from the beauty pageant.

“It really is quite a coincidence.”

Summer Lane replied unhappily.

“Since it’s such a coincidence, why don’t we all sit together? I’ll pay later.”

Schuler said eagerly.

“No need to pay, that gentleman over there has already paid for the entire place.”

Summer Lane replied unceremoniously.

“Uh…”

Schuler and the other person felt a bit awkward for a moment.

Violet Lolo, on the other hand, looked at Su Ming, asking for his opinion.

“Mr. Su Ming, do you find it convenient?”

“Since they are Miss Violet Lolo’s friends, it’s no harm to join tables.”

Su Ming also didn’t want to make Violet Lolo feel awkward.

“Since Mr. Su Ming has said so, then let’s join tables.”

Violet Lolo said indifferently.

Avaco and the other person happily raised their hands, signaling the waitress to bring chairs.

The female waitress immediately brought two chairs over.

After Schuler and the other person were seated, they immediately asked with a chuckle,

“Miss Violet Lolo, when did you return?”

“Not long ago.”

Violet Lolo replied distractedly.

With the addition of the two, the atmosphere suddenly became a bit cold.

Su Ming also didn’t say anything, just quietly drank his tea.

At this moment, a commotion suddenly came from outside.

Su Ming and the others looked through the window and saw a burly middle-aged man with fierce eyes, wearing a third-generation exoskeleton armor, walking in with more than a dozen subordinates.

These subordinates walked directly to the tables outside the restaurant, and without caring if anyone was there, they pulled out chairs and sat down.

Immediately, the dining guests got up and left.

In an instant, all the guests outside the entire restaurant were driven away.

Of course, these Dark Star Empire people were not only targeting this restaurant; all the nearby shops run by the Federation were affected.

At this moment, several Federal guards who were dining in the restaurant, led by a dark-skinned, well-built man, walked straight out and shouted at the Dark Star Empire personnel who were driving away guests,

“Ka Anglu, what do you want?”

“Of course, I’m here to eat. Is there a problem?”

Ka Anglu said mockingly to Zhou Deng.

“Eat? Is this how you eat? Everyone has been driven away by you.”

Zhou Deng said with a dark expression.

“What? Only others are allowed to eat, but we’re not?”

At this moment, Ka Anglu’s subordinates also became angry upon hearing this, and they directly overturned the tables one by one.

“You guys are really asking for death! Beat them up!”

Zhou Deng and the others rushed forward one after another.

Ka Anglu and his group met them head-on without politeness, and the two groups immediately started fighting.

Su Ming watched this scene, frowning tightly as he asked,

“Isn’t the public order in Saint Jocks always very good? Why are they fighting?”

“What else could it be? Of course, it’s because the Federation is no longer capable.”

Summer Lane said angrily.

“The Federation is no longer capable?”

Su Ming was slightly startled and asked.

“That’s right. Ever since the Federation’s main star was invaded by aliens, Wormhole Spacetime was lost, Mist Star Sea was lost, and Abyss of Fallen was in urgent crisis, the Apocalypse Divine Kingdom and Dark Star Empire have become increasingly arrogant, causing trouble here every day. And according to reliable internal sources, your Federation is going to abandon the Three Great Forbidden Zones and withdraw all troops.”

Violet Lolo explained to Su Ming.

At this moment, Dragon Ying spoke.

“That’s just a strategic retreat.”

“Forget it. Anyone who isn’t an idiot can see that the Federation has already lost the war and is powerless to control the Three Great Forbidden Zones. Saying it’s a strategic retreat is actually just withdrawing troops. If they stay any longer, they’ll be annihilated. Now, Sky Realm City is already on its way back.”

Summer Lane said with a sigh.

Dragon Ying was speechless upon hearing this.

Su Ming also had a bit of a headache.

Bang!

At this moment, the restaurant door was kicked open, and Captain Zhou Deng was kicked in, falling heavily to the ground.

Ka Anglu walked in arrogantly with his men and shouted at the guests inside the restaurant,

“Everyone, we’re handling some personal grievances. Those who are sensible should leave quickly.”

Many guests present immediately got up and left.

At this moment, proprietress A Lin angrily led a group of male waiters forward and reprimanded Ka Anglu,

“Don’t go too far! You can’t win against us fair and square, so you resort to such despicable methods.”

“Shut up! Do you think it’s still the past? Your Federation behind you is no longer capable, so what if we bully you?”

Ka Anglu said arrogantly.

At this moment, a group of Saint Jocks guards rushed over, and their leading captain also sternly reprimanded,

“This is Saint Jocks! Causing trouble is strictly forbidden!”

Ka Anglu turned to look at the captain, pointed at his nose, and said fiercely,

“This is our grievance with the Federation. You’d best not interfere, otherwise, we’ll deal with you all as well.”

“You!”

The captain’s face turned crimson with anger.

“Get lost!”

Without another word, Ka Anglu directly kicked the captain, sending him flying.

“Captain, are you alright?”

The Saint Jocks subordinates quickly helped their captain up, all of them angry and wanting to draw their weapons, but they were stopped by the captain.

“I’m fine. Let’s go and report to our superiors.”

The captain reluctantly led his subordinates away.

Su Ming and the others watched this scene, their expressions turning cold.

“Miss Violet Lolo, leave these trivial matters to us.”

“That’s right, just wait.”

Schuler and Avaco volunteered, getting up and walking towards Ka Anglu and his group.

Soon, the two walked in front of Ka Anglu, and Schuler immediately introduced himself,

“Brothers of Dark Star, I am from Saint Jocks’s Kagama Interstellar Heavy Industry. Please give us some face and don’t cause trouble here.”

“Haha, from Saint Jocks’s Kagama Interstellar Heavy Industry? Are you not awake, or did a donkey kick your head? We used to give you face by telling you not to get too close to the Federation. Now that the Federation is no longer capable, you don’t just stay put, but you still want to meddle? Do you want us to deal with you all as well?”

Ka Anglu said mockingly.

“You…”

Schuler and the other person’s faces turned bright red. When had they ever been mocked like this?